New Brunswick environmental groups face a looming financial crisis. The provincial trust fund that supports their daily operations is running out of money.

The Environmental Trust Fund previously relied on a steady stream of revenue from bottle deposits. The former Progressive Conservative government ended that funding arrangement in 2023. The current Liberal government has not yet decided on a replacement strategy. Instead, the fund relies on surplus money from previous years. That surplus is steadily decreasing.

Vital Environmental Work at Risk

This fiscal year, the province allocated $7.9 million from the fund to support 173 projects. This leaves only about $8 million in the pot. That remaining amount covers just one or two more years of projects.

The fund provides essential support for groups that protect and manage the local environment. It also backs similar initiatives by local governments, rural districts and First Nations. These organizations handle critical tasks like water testing and species at risk monitoring.

Danielle Smith serves as the director of education and engagement for the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. She notes that many of these groups test local water for algae blooms and cyanobacteria.

“If we were to lose some organizations due to the fund not continuing, I think it would have quite a huge impact on people’s ability to access these natural wonders,” Smith told CBC News.

Her organization receives up to 20 percent of its funding from the trust fund.

Organizations Face Tough Choices

Vanessa Roy McDougall is the executive director of Nature NB. She shares these deep concerns about the dwindling resources.

“We’re nervous about what’s going to happen in the next year or two with the loss of stable income for that fund,” Roy McDougall said.

Nature NB also relies on the trust fund for about 20 percent of its budget. Without this money, Roy McDougall says her team must decrease the number of projects they take on. Smith adds that losing the provincial fund forces some organizations to close their doors entirely or switch to a volunteer only model.

Government Promises Solutions This Fall

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage addressed these funding concerns during a recent announcement in Fredericton. Both Roy McDougall and Smith attended the event hoping for a concrete plan.

LePage acknowledged the widespread anxiety among environmental groups.

“Trust me, we’ve come up with a few solutions,” LePage said. “We’re still studying a few solutions. We’re still studying a little bit more how it will be, how can we roll it out and how can we finance more projects.”

The minister confirmed his department is consulting on ways to improve the fund. He expects to share more information about its future this fall. He also warned that securing the fund requires some hard decisions ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund?

The fund is a provincial financial resource that supports environmental protection and management projects. It provides money to environmental groups, local governments, rural districts and First Nations.

Why is the fund running out of money?

The fund previously received steady revenue from bottle deposits. The provincial government ended that specific funding arrangement in 2023 and has not yet implemented a replacement revenue stream.

How much money is left in the trust fund?

The fund currently has about $8 million remaining. This amount covers approximately one or two more years of environmental projects.

What kind of work does the fund support?

The money pays for critical environmental initiatives. These include testing local waterways for algae blooms and monitoring species at risk.